We recently connected with Roque Estipona and have shared our conversation below.
Roque , appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
In my early days as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I worked my way up from a staff role to a managerial position. It was during this journey that I realized the immense opportunity in starting my own home health agency. Fueled by ambition, I took the leap into entrepreneurship, but not without facing significant challenges. Finding the right staff and building a supportive network proved difficult, especially amidst stiff competition in the area. Reflecting back, I wish I had started this journey earlier, but every step taught me something valuable.
To young professionals, my advice is clear: focus on your chosen field, never lose hope, understand your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and don’t hesitate to start early. Your professional goals and vision are within reach if you persist and believe in yourself.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Fueled by my ambition, I took a brave leap into entrepreneurship, establishing ventures in both the home health and fast food industries. On the surface, these fields seem worlds apart—providing full health services versus running a restaurant. Yet, the core concept remains the same: treat your clients and customers the way they want to be treated, delivering nothing less than what they expect.
In both businesses, challenges often arise, but I’ve learned that creating a unique approach and strategy to address these issues is the key to building harmonious relationships with customers. In my home health agency, I take great pride in the services we provide and the satisfaction I bring to my patients. Knowing that I can make a difference in their lives is incredibly fulfilling.
In my fast food chain, I stand proudly behind our unique products, infused with distinct flavors that reflect the essence of Filipino hospitality. Here, everyone is treated with respect and dignity, fostering a sense of community among our customers. Together, these ventures not only fulfill my entrepreneurial spirit but also allow me to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, one meal and one healthcare service at a time
Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.
As a per diem physical therapist, I was constantly observing the landscape of the home health agency where I worked. Day by day, I noticed the untapped potential for growth and improvement. It was clear to me that with the right vision and leadership, this agency could flourish. Inspired by this realization, I decided to take a bold step.
One afternoon, I approached the owner of the agency with my thoughts. I expressed my admiration for what they had built and shared my vision for its future. I proposed the idea of purchasing the agency, emphasizing how my experience and dedication could lead to its expansion and success. After thorough discussions and careful negotiation, I was able to convince the owner to consider the sale.
The acquisition process was no small feat, but with the right support group by my side, preparation, and due diligence, everything came together smoothly. I worked closely with financial advisors and legal experts to ensure every detail was attended to, from valuations to compliance checks. The sense of accomplishment I felt as we finalized the sale was profound.
Owning the home health agency was more than just a business transaction; it was the beginning of a journey filled with purpose and passion. I was excited to implement innovative strategies, improve services, and create a positive impact in the lives of our patients. Each day, I was reminded that my ambition had not only transformed my professional life but had also opened the doors for growth and care in our community.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale in both the home health industry and a fast food chain is a balancing act that requires dedication, empathy, and strategic thinking. Drawing from my experiences in both fields, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I would love to share.
First and foremost, clear communication is essential. Whether it’s in the home health agency, where every piece of information about a patient matters, or in the fast food restaurant, where each order must be processed quickly and accurately, keeping team members informed fosters trust and collaboration. Regular check-ins and open-door policies encourage staff to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback, which helps everyone feel valued and heard.
Secondly, recognizing and celebrating achievements—big or small—boosts morale significantly. In home health, this might mean acknowledging a team member’s exceptional patient care or investment in a new training program. In the fast food environment, it could be as simple as celebrating a record sales day or outstanding customer service. Celebrations can be formal, like team gatherings, or informal, acknowledging accomplishments during team huddles. This fosters a sense of community and motivates employees to strive for excellence.
Leading by example is another crucial aspect. In both industries, displaying a positive attitude and demonstrating hard work sets the tone for the team. Whether it’s working alongside a caregiver or jumping in during a busy lunch rush, showing that I’m willing to put in the effort inspires my team to do the same.
Empowering team members is also key. In the home health setting, allowing Clinicians and caregivers to make decisions about patient care promotes ownership and responsibility. In the fast food chain, encouraging crew members to take initiative during rush hours can make them feel significant and involved in the operation. Empowerment fosters creativity and innovation, which can lead to improved services and customer satisfaction.
Finally, I emphasize the importance of work-life balance. In home health, it’s vital to recognize when a clinician is feeling overwhelmed and to encourage them to take time for self-care. In the fast food industry, ensuring that schedules accommodate personal commitments helps maintain a happy and engaged workforce.
By implementing these strategies—clear communication, recognition, leading by example, empowerment, and promoting work-life balance—I’ve seen how both my home health agency and my fast food restaurant thrive. High morale translates directly to better service and satisfaction for our patients and customers, ultimately driving success in both fields.
Image Credits
Picture Credit : Roque Estipona